Stamp Duty Guides
In-depth guides to help you understand UK stamp duty and make informed decisions. Whether you are a first-time buyer, landlord, or home mover, the right guide can save you thousands of pounds.
All Guides
Each guide covers eligibility, worked examples, calculation rules, and common mistakes. Select your situation below.
First-Time Buyer Guide
Most popularEverything you need to know about first-time buyer relief, eligibility requirements, and how to claim your savings.
Second Home Stamp Duty Guide
Understand the 5% additional property surcharge, when it applies, and how to claim a refund.
Buy-to-Let Stamp Duty Guide
Learn about stamp duty for landlords, investment properties, and company purchases.
How Stamp Duty is Calculated
Start hereA step-by-step explanation of how stamp duty is calculated using tiered rates.
April 2025 Changes Explained
Updated 2025What changed in April 2025 and how it affects your property purchase.
Home Mover Stamp Duty
Moving home? Understand replacement main residence rules and 36-month refund claims.
Divorce Stamp Duty
Property transfers during divorce, court order exemptions, and equity buyouts.
Inheritance Stamp Duty
Inheriting property is SDLT-free, but affects future purchases and the 5% surcharge.
Right to Buy Stamp Duty
Discounts, eligibility, and SDLT on Right to Buy and Rent to Buy schemes.
Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (SDRT)
SDRT on UK share transactions, clearance services, and paperless settlements.
SDLT Filing & Payment
How to file your SDLT return, pay tax, and get your SDLT5 certificate.
How to Avoid Stamp Duty
7 legal strategies to reduce or avoid stamp duty, including tips for second home buyers.
Which Guide Do You Need?
Answer the question that best matches your situation to find the most relevant guide for your purchase.
Have you never owned property before?
→ First-Time Buyer Guide: You may qualify for first-time buyer relief worth up to £11,250.
Are you buying a second home or investment property?
→ Second Home / Buy-to-Let Guide: The 5% additional dwelling surcharge will apply, adding thousands to your bill.
Are you moving home (selling and buying simultaneously)?
→ Home Mover Guide: You may avoid the 5% surcharge or claim a refund under the 36-month rule.
Are you going through a divorce or separation?
→ Divorce Stamp Duty Guide: Court order transfers are exempt, but equity buyouts are not.
Have you recently inherited property?
→ Inheritance Stamp Duty Guide: Inherited property can affect your FTB status and the additional dwelling surcharge.
Not sure how stamp duty is actually calculated?
→ How Stamp Duty is Calculated: Stamp duty is tiered: most buyers pay a mix of rates, not a flat percentage.
Key Stamp Duty Facts for 2026
Quick reference for the key thresholds and rates following the April 2025 changes. All figures are for England and Northern Ireland unless stated.
Nil-rate band (standard)
£0–£250,000
First-time buyer nil-rate
£0–£300,000
FTB relief upper limit
£500,000
Additional dwelling surcharge
+5% on all bands
Non-resident surcharge
+2% on top of standard rates
Filing deadline
14 days from completion
Refund window (36-month rule)
12 months after sale of old home
Corporate body higher rate
17% (properties over £500k)
England, Scotland, and Wales: Different Rules
Property tax is devolved. The rates, bands, and surcharges differ significantly between the three nations. Understanding which regime applies to your purchase is the essential first step.
| Region | Tax Name | Authority | Nil-Rate Band | Top Rate | Additional Surcharge | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England & Northern Ireland | SDLT | HMRC | £250,000 | 12% | 5% | Use calculator → |
| Scotland | LBTT | Revenue Scotland | £145,000 | 12% | 8% (ADS) | Use calculator → |
| Wales | LTT | Welsh Revenue Authority | £225,000 | 12% | Separate bands | Use calculator → |
Northern Ireland uses the same SDLT rules as England. Rates correct as of April 2025.
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